We have many amazing resources at the library, but one of the least used would have to be the Westlaw legal database. Both Meinders and the law library in the Pipestone County Courthouse have subscriptions to the database with the package Minnesota PRO plus.
The Minnesota PRO plus package provides researchers with access to MN case law, statutes, court rules and orders, administrative code, attorney general opinions, and law reviews and journals. It also provides access to federal materials for the Eighth Circuit Court of appeals, and U.S. District Court decisions for Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, as well as the United States Code Annotated (USCA), the unannotated United States Code (USC), United States public Laws, federal court rules and orders, and U.S. Code Congressional & Administrative News.
While the database can be difficult to use for someone who does not have legal training, there is a tutorial website available as well as an instruction manual. The website needs an email address to log into, but it provides a list of topics and lessons as well as the time it takes to complete each lesson. Some patrons might find this easier than the wordiness of the manual.
In addition to the database, there are many useful websites that a librarian could direct you to for legal information. Please keep in mind that a librarian is legally prevented from giving any legal advice by Minnesota Statute 481.02, but we can certainly point you in the right direction and provide you with the information you need to find what you are looking for.
The Westlaw database is available free to the public on a first come, first serve basis during regular library hours. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 825-6714 or stop by during our business hours. Meinders Library is open Monday-Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. We look forward to seeing you!
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